Save Article

Muslim President May Not Endanger
Indonesia Reforms, but Allies Could

An Interactive Journal News Roundup

Updated Oct. 23, 1999 11:59 p.m. ET

I ndonesia markets reacted with dismay to the election of an ailing Islamic leader as Indonesia's next president. But Abdurrahman Wahid's economic policies may not endanger badly needed reforms as much as his efforts to rule with a wide variety of parties and with Megawati Sukarnoputri as his vice president.

Mr. Wahid defeated the popular but politically inexperienced Ms. Megawati in a vote in the 700-member People's Consultative Assembly following the withdrawal from the race of President B.J. Habibie, who had received a...